DOG RUN MANNERSClients with new dogs often ask me what proper etiquette is for the dog run. More often than not, they’ve had an experience with another owner telling them that their dog is somehow behaving inappropriately. The dog run can be as socially challenging (for the adult humans) as the children’s playground – or even more so. People tend to see their dogs as a reflection of themselves, and there’s a great deal of “my kid is better than your kid” going on. The first issue – particularly for owners of puppies and adolescent dogs – is that most people don’t understand what appropriate play looks like. Young dogs love to wrestle, growl, grab ears and legs, bite the neck, and jump on top of their playmate. As long as the other dog isn’t clearly distressed and trying to get away, and not coming back for more, all is well. There are some dogs that like to bark (and bark and bark and bark) while playing. Beagles tend to do this, as do some Terriers. Again, unless the recipient of this barking is clearly not having a good time, let them work it out. HumpingHumping is good fun, particularly for adolescent boys, but really for all ages! And no, neutering doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with it. As long as the humper takes no for an answer if he’s told off by the humpee, it’s all in good fun. This is another one where the humans take things a little too personally.

Hackles (“the Mohawk”) ...tend to scare people. The proper term is “piloerection” and that’s when a dog’s hair stands up on either part of or his entire back. While it certainly can mean aggression is on the way, what it really indicates is arousal. Piloreection is involuntary, shows up clearer on some dogs and not at all on others, and is believed to be their way of looking bigger. Adult dogs will routinely correct puppies, young dogs or inappropriate dogs (like the incessant barkers). The way puppies learn that it’s not polite to jump on a dog’s head is to get scolded by an older dog. Puppy owners often find this to be upsetting, but the puppy will probably yelp in surprise and then carry on – albeit with a little more respect directed at the adult. Don’t judge based on appearance. It doesn’t work with dogs or humans.Things to be aware of when coming into a dog run Small children are not a good idea, but people tend to bring them anyway. If you’re one of those people, please make sure your child sits quietly and watches. Not all dogs like children, and this is an area designated for the dogs, not the kids. Also, children can get knocked over much easier than adults if they aren’t off to the side and out of the way. And please, no babies! Toys are also generally not the wisest thing to bring to a dog run. Not all but most adult dogs will have an issue at some point when it comes down to one ball and two dogs. If you’re trying to work on your dog’s recall in the dog run and you have treats, try to slip the treats to your dog when other dogs aren’t nearby. Again, adults will absolutely fight over food – even if it’s not their food. Be aware that if you pick your dog up, let him sit in your lap, or restrain him in any way (holding the collar or leashing him) he’s likely to be defensive to approaching dogs. In the lap, he’s guarding his resource (you), and in the other situations, he’s going to be defensive because he can’t get away. And for people with little dogs – picking Buster up just makes the other dogs wanna grab him!To fight or not to fight? What is “too far” is another question I get often, and it’s very difficult to explain. The best way to verbalize when play has crossed over to a fight, is that if the forward motion is relentless. Even in rough play, the dogs take little short breaks – one will look away for a second or the other one will pause before lunging again then the other one will sneeze, etc. A real fight is pretty easy to spot, but if it seems like the forward motion is increasing, it might be best to interrupt and give the dogs a break from each other so that a fight doesn’t start. If there is a fight, do NOT try to grab your dog’s collar. Make a loud noise, throw water at the dogs, or shove something (big) between them. Recommended reading for this topic is “Calming Signals” by Turid Rugaas or “Fight!” By Jean Donaldson.Copyright 1999-present, Walk This Way Canine Behavior Therapy